Inspection hatch with monolithic structure

Abstract

Inspection hatch with a fixed frame (1) and a movable or adjustable frame (2) designed to be pivoted from a closed position to an open position in the fixed frame (1) by means of coupling means (131, 22) or pivoting means (23), wherein the fixed frame (1) and / or the movable or adjustable frame (2) has a monolithic structure produced by injection molding from plastic materials suitable for the specific use.

Description

[0001] The present utility model application relates to an inspection hatch with a monolithic structure.

[0002] As is well known, an inspection hatch is usually installed in accordance with openings in walls to allow inspection of a space located behind the wall.

[0003] It should be noted that the term “wall” in this description refers equally to vertical walls, ceilings or floors.

[0004] Traditionally, an inspection hatch consists of: - a fixed frame suitable for being fixed to a wall in correspondence with an opening formed in the wall; - a movable or adjustable frame arranged inside the fixed frame; - a flap connected on the inside to the adjustable frame to close the opening; - connecting means for connecting the movable or adjustable frame to the fixed frame so that the movable or adjustable frame can be moved or adjusted between an open position in which the movable or adjustable frame is inclined relative to the fixed frame and a closed position in which the movable or adjustable frame is on the same plane as the fixed frame.

[0005] Starting from such an essentially mandatory configuration, the way in which such an inspection hatch is manufactured has evolved over time.

[0006] Since a typical inspection hatch usually has a square cross-section, the manufacture of both the fixed and the movable or adjustable frame by joining four metal profiles arranged in pairs in opposite positions and cut at the ends at a 45° angle has recently been developed.

[0007] This design principle has certainly proven to be effective, also in view of the considerable strength of the inspection hatch due to the use of the aforementioned metal profiles.

[0008] However, this technology was hampered by the complexity and cumbersomeness of the assembly operations of the connecting and hinge means which had to be provided between the fixed frame and the movable or adjustable frame in order to allow the movable or adjustable frame to be pivoted alternately from its open position, ie withdrawn from the fixed frame, to the closed position, ie inserted into the fixed frame.

[0009] Precisely for the purpose of eliminating such an inconvenience, in recent years the same applicant as for the present utility model has introduced a novel logical manufacturing principle for the fixed frame and the movable or adjustable frame for an inspection hatch, which is adequately described in document WO 2022167230 A1.

[0010] More specifically, the two frames were constructed from four metal profiles arranged at right angles, with each adjacent pair of these profiles (i.e. arranged at a 90-degree angle to each other) connected by a corner piece made by injection molding from suitable plastic materials.

[0011] It should also be taken into account that the corner pieces not only serve as a connection for the four metal sections, but that in a monolithic solution they can also contain the necessary connecting and hinge means between the fixed frame and the movable or adjustable frame of the respective inspection hatch.

[0012] Such an advantageous approach avoids the above-mentioned weakness of the existing technology, namely the manual assembly of the necessary connecting and hinge means between the movable or adjustable frame and the fixed frame.

[0013] However, a more detailed investigation of this new manufacturing method for the fixed and movable or adjustable frames of an inspection hatch has revealed an aspect that can be further improved.

[0014] It should be noted that the aesthetics of the fixed frame of such an inspection hatch - as well as that of the movable or adjustable frame of the same - are affected by the interaction of the four metal profiles and the four plastic corner pieces that are mounted alternately with them.

[0015] To describe such an inconvenience, it should be noted that the fixed frame of an inspection hatch is mounted in correspondence with a comparable opening formed on the installation wall, in a state in which the raised peripheral edge that normally surrounds the opening of the fixed frame (the one suitable for receiving the movable or adjustable frame during use) is exactly in contact with the edges of the corresponding opening on the wall.

[0016] In such a condition, a person observing the fixed frame engaging internally with the corresponding opening in the wall cannot help but notice an aesthetically unpleasant structural and color discontinuity along the raised peripheral edge of the fixed frame.

[0017] On the other hand, it can be said that such an observer will certainly notice the presence of the four metal sections alternating with the four plastic corner pieces in the structure of the fixed frame, which leads to a reduction in the aesthetic elegance of the inspection hatch.

[0018] On the other hand, the same unfortunate aesthetic effect can also be observed in the case of the movable or adjustable frame of the inspection hatch, at least in the case where the movable or adjustable frame is made by the interaction of four metal profiles alternating with four plastic corner pieces.

[0019] In such a case, the unsightly presence of metal and plastic parts can be identified by observing the raised peripheral edge that, in a typical movable or adjustable frame, surrounds the space in which the hatch suitable for covering the inspection hatch is to be installed.

[0020] Starting from such prior art, the main purpose of the present invention is to realize an inspection hatch that uses a fixed frame and that is provided with a monolithic structure that is completely homogeneous from a structural and aesthetic point of view and is manufactured by an injection molding process from suitable plastic materials.

[0021] Another purpose of the present invention is to ensure that the inspection hatch according to the invention uses a movable or adjustable frame, which is also provided with a monolithic structure made by injection molding from suitable plastic materials.

[0022] A third purpose of the present invention is to ensure that the movable or adjustable frame and the fixed frame also have cooperating connecting and hinge means in the respective monolithic structure.

[0023] Finally, another purpose of the invention in question is to make the structure of the novel access hatch more economical and practical, partly because it eliminates the need for personnel to assemble the parts, namely the metal profiles and the plastic corner pieces, used to manufacture the fixed and the movable or adjustable frames of the existing access hatches.

[0024] For better illustration, the description of the invention will be continued with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to serve only as an illustration and have no limiting significance; Fig. 1 is a front view of the fixed frame and the movable or adjustable frame of the inspection hatch according to the invention before assembly of these parts; Fig. 2 a rear view of the fixed frame and the movable or adjustable frame of the inspection hatch according to the invention before assembly of these parts; Fig. 3 a rear view of the two aforementioned fixed and movable or adjustable frames, now assembled and shown in the position they assume when the respective inspection hatch is closed; Fig. Figure 4 is a partial front view of the two aforementioned fixed and movable or adjustable frames, now assembled and shown in the position they assume when the respective inspection hatch is open; Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 enlarged views of two moments of interaction of the fixed frame with the movable or adjustable frame, which aim to bring the respective inspection hatch into the open state.

[0025] As can be seen from the figures, the novel inspection hatch (B) typically comprises a stationary frame (1) and a movable or adjustable frame (2) which is designed to be pivoted within the stationary frame (1) from an open position to a closed position, because suitable connecting and hinge means (23) are provided, which are described below in this description.

[0026] First of all, it should be noted that the stationary frame (1) has a monolithic structure made of suitable plastic materials.

[0027] Such a monolithic structure of the fixed frame (1) comprises sections arranged at right angles to each other and can be identified as follows: a front section (1a), a rear portion (1b) extending parallel to the front portion (1a), and two lateral sections (1c, 1d) which run parallel to each other and extend orthogonally to the front section (1a) and to the rear section (1b).

[0028] The four sections (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) define a central opening (1e).

[0029] Furthermore, such a frame (1) comprises a preferably smooth outer surface (10) suitable for alignment with the centre of the room in which the inspection hatch (B) in question is installed, and an inner surface (11) preferably provided with a grid of stiffening ribs and designed to engage in the opening of the inspection hatch (B) so that the latter is not visible.

[0030] The front side (10) of the fixed frame (1) comprises a raised peripheral edge (12) surrounding the central opening (1e); while the rear side (11) of the fixed frame (1) comprises: a pair of recesses (13) projecting from the front portion (1a) substantially at the level of the two lateral ends of the front portion (1a); wherein the recesses (13) precisely accommodate a pair of elastic fastening devices (130) of conventional type in the direction of the opening (1e); wherein the fastening device (130) comprises: a cylindrical pawl (131) located at the level of the inner edge of the front portion (1a) and arranged in an orthogonal position relative to the longitudinal axis of the front portion (1a); a pair of C-shaped brackets (14a) configured longitudinally corresponding to the rear portion (1b), each of the brackets (14a) receiving an edge (14) which, during use, projects from the rear portion (1b) toward the center of the central window (1e). two pairs of substantially wedge-shaped projections (15a, 15b), each provided longitudinally on one of the lateral portions (1c, 1d) near the rear portion (1b); the two wedge-shaped projections (15a, 15b) of each of the pairs being connected to each other and facing the respective front surfaces, between which an intermediate seat (15c) is formed; a pair of steps (16) provided substantially at the junction between each of the lateral sections (1c, 1d) and the respective lateral end of the rear section (1b).

[0031] As stated above, the fixed frame (1) is designed to cooperate with a movable or adjustable frame (2), which is preferably also provided with a monolithic structure made by injection molding from suitable plastic materials.

[0032] The movable or adjustable frame (2) comprises: a front section (2a), a rear section (2b) running parallel to the front section (2a), two lateral sections (2c, 2d) which run parallel to each other and extend orthogonally to the front section (2a) and to the rear section (2b).

[0033] The movable or adjustable frame (2) also has an outer surface (20) and an inner surface (21), the outer surface (20) being circumscribed by a raised peripheral edge (20a) into which the cover flap (3) of the movable or adjustable frame (2) engages precisely.

[0034] The inner surface (21) of the movable or adjustable frame (2) comprises: two hooks (22) projecting from the front portion (2a), each of the two hooks being oriented so as to face the respective hook end (22a) towards the adjacent lateral portion (2c or 2d); the hooks (22) occupying positions in the front portion (2a) of the movable or adjustable frame (2) in such a way that, during use, they receive the locking pawls (131) of the fastening devices (130) received in the recesses or recesses (13) provided corresponding to the first portion (1a) of the fixed frame (1); two pivot pins (23) of cam-like cross-section projecting from the respective longitudinal ends of the rear portion (2b) and held by sets of retaining pieces (23a) projecting from the rear portion (2b); each of the pivot pins (23) being designed to engage, during use, in one of the recesses (15c) provided in the two lateral portions (1c, 1b) of the stationary frame (1).

[0035] Having completed the description of the parts of the new inspection hatch (B), the present description now illustrates the manner in which the fixed frame (1) and the movable or adjustable frame (2) work together.

[0036] With particular reference to the Fig. 3 to 6, the manner in which the two aforementioned frames (1, 2) interact with each other is first explained as long as the inspection flap (B) is in a closed position, wherein the movable or adjustable frame (2) engages exactly in the window (1e) of the stationary frame (1) and is locked therein.

[0037] In such a first position, the following conditions occur: the pawls (131) of the elastic fastening devices (130) provided in the fixed frame (1) engage in the hook ends (22a) of the two hooks (22) of the movable or adjustable frame (2); the pivot pins (23) of the movable or adjustable frame (2) are supported on the steps (16) provided in the fixed frame (1); the edges (14) projecting from the rear portion (1a) of the fixed frame (1) are arranged so as not to interfere with each other and are located partly above the rear portion (2a) of the movable or adjustable frame (2).

[0038] In the present description, the manner of interaction of the two frames (1, 2) with each other will now be explained as long as the inspection hatch (B) is in the open position, in which the movable or adjustable frame (2) protrudes from the window (1e) of the fixed frame (1) by a pivoting movement of approximately 90° relative to the pivots (23) until a position is reached which is substantially orthogonal to that of the fixed frame (1), as in the Fig. 4 shown.

[0039] In such a second position, the following conditions occur: the engagement of the locking pawls of the elastic fastening devices (130) provided in the fixed frame (1) with the hook ends (22a) of the two hooks (22) of the movable or adjustable frame (2) is terminated; the pivot pins (23) of the movable or adjustable frame (2) engage in the housings (15c) provided in each of the lateral sections (1c, 1b) of the fixed frame in an intermediate position between the respective wedge-shaped projections (15a, 15b); in such a position, each of the pivot pins (23) is firmly supported on the flat portion of the respective first wedge-shaped projection (15a), while the flat portion of the respective second wedge-shaped projection (15b) is also firmly supported on the pivot pin (23) (see Fig. 6); the edge of the rear portion (2a) of the movable or adjustable frame (2) rests against the edges (14) projecting from the rear portion (1a) of the fixed frame (1).

[0040] With regard to the latter indications, it is necessary to highlight the fact that the two pivots (3) can rotate like two cams, because in this way they can provide the movable or adjustable frame (2) with a pivoting movement, so that the rear portion (2a) of the movable or adjustable frame (2), which in the closed position of the inspection hatch (B) lies flat against the rear portion (1a) of the fixed frame (1), in the open position of the inspection hatch (B) lies over the rear portion (1a) of the fixed frame (1), as can be seen by comparing the Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 can be determined.

[0041] In view of the above description, it is easy to understand the reasons why the novel access hatch (B) overcomes the aforementioned limitations typical of the prior art access hatches, in which the fixed frame and / or the movable or adjustable frame is aesthetically compromised by the presence of metal profiles and plastic corner pieces.

[0042] It should be noted that for the novel inspection hatch, it is planned that the fixed frame (1) and / or the movable or adjustable frame (2) can be manufactured with a monolithic structure by an injection molding process.

[0043] Given such a solution, it is in fact no longer possible to detect any structural and chromatic discontinuity in the two raised peripheral edges (12, 20a), ie: in the raised peripheral edge (12) which circumscribes the central opening (1e) of the fixed frame (1); in the raised peripheral edge (20a) which circumscribes the front surface (20) of the movable or adjustable frame (2) and is responsible for the exact reception of the cover flap (3).

[0044] Now some clarifications are required regarding some additional provisions of the new inspection hatch (B).

[0045] First of all, it should be noted that the fastening means (130) capable of holding the movable or adjustable frame (2) in the opening (1e) of the fixed frame (1) are of the type commonly referred to as "push and open" fastening means because they can ensure that opening with respect to the fixed frame (1) can be carried out under the simple condition that a slight pressure is exerted on the movable or adjustable frame (2) and, more precisely, on the flap (3) carried by it, in the direction of the opening (1e) of the fixed frame (1).

[0046] Secondly, it should be noted that the two edges (14) which engage the respective brackets (14a) in the rear portion (1a) of the stationary frame (1) can easily be omitted from the brackets (14a).

[0047] In fact, in the Fig.6, the specific function of the inspection flap (B) is to prevent the movable or adjustable frame (2) from accidentally slipping backwards, ie from slipping off the fixed frame (1) towards the rear section (1a) of the fixed frame (1).

[0048] On the other hand, the omission of the aforementioned edges (14) must be carried out during the assembly of the inspection hatch (B) when the movable or adjustable frame (2) is inserted into the fixed frame (1), starting from the rear section (1a) of the fixed frame (1).

[0049] The last feature of the novel inspection hatch (B) according to the present invention relates to the provision of a first eyelet (24) provided on the inside of the first portion (2a) of the movable or adjustable frame (2) and a second eyelet (not shown in the attached figures) projecting laterally from one of the recesses (13) provided in the first portion (1a) of the fixed frame (1).

[0050] The two eyelets serve as fastening points for two snap fasteners provided at the ends of a cable of suitable length (not shown in the attached figures) and which can serve as a means of stopping the pivoting movement of the movable or adjustable frame (2) when the latter has reached the open position with respect to the fixed frame (1). QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2022167230 A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Inspection hatch with a fixed frame (1) and a movable or adjustable frame (2) which is designed to be pivoted from a closed position to an open position in the fixed frame (1) by means of coupling means (131, 22) or pivoting means (23), wherein the fixed frame (1) and / or the movable or adjustable frame (2) has a monolithic structure produced by injection molding from plastic materials suitable for the specific use. [2] Inspection hatch according to claim 1, wherein the fixed frame (1) comprises: a front section (1a), a rear section (1b) running parallel to the front section (1a), two lateral sections (1c, 1d) running parallel to each other and extending orthogonally to the front section (1a) and to the rear section (1b), and a central opening (1e) circumscribed by the sections (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d); an outer surface (10) with a raised peripheral edge (12) surrounding the central opening (1e); an inner surface (11) with: the coupling means (131) acting correspondingly to the front portion (1a) of the fixed frame (1) and designed to be coupled or engaged with corresponding hooks (22) provided in the movable or adjustable frame (2); two pairs of substantially wedge-shaped projections (15a, 15b), each provided in a longitudinal direction on one of the lateral portions (1c, 1d) in the vicinity of the rear portion (1a); the two wedge-shaped projections (15a, 15b) of each of the pairs being oriented to face their respective front surfaces, between which an intermediate seat (15c) is formed, a pair of steps (16) provided at the junction between each of the lateral sections (1c, 1d) and the respective lateral end of the rear section (1b). [3] Inspection hatch according to claim 2, wherein the movable or adjustable frame (2) comprises: a front section (2a), a rear section (2b) running parallel to the front section (2a), two lateral sections (2c, 2d) running parallel to each other and extending orthogonally to the front section (2a) and to the rear section (2b); an outer surface (20) circumscribed by a raised peripheral edge (20a) designed to precisely receive a cover flap (3); an inner surface (21) comprising: the two hooks (22) projecting from the front portion (2a) and designed to cooperate with the coupling means (131) provided in the front portion (1a) of the fixed frame (1); two pivot pins (23), each having a cam-like portion projecting from the respective longitudinal end of the rear portion (2b) and supported on the steps (16) provided in the fixed frame (1); each of the pivot pins (23) being designed to engage, at the end of the opening pivoting movement of the movable or adjustable frame (2) relative to the fixed frame (1), in one of the seats (15c) provided between the pairs of substantially wedge-shaped projections (15a, 15b) in the two lateral portions (1c, 1b) of the fixed frame (1). [4] Inspection hatch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling means (130) provided on the front portion (1a) of the fixed frame (1) are formed by elastic coupling devices comprising respective cylindrical pawls (131) designed to engage in the hook-shaped ends (22a) of the hooks (22) provided on the front portion (2a) of the movable or adjustable frame (2). [5] An inspection hatch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear portion (1b) of the stationary frame (1) comprises a pair of C-shaped brackets (14a) on the rear surface (11) of the stationary frame (1) adapted to releasably receive respective edges (14) projecting from the rear portion (1b) toward the center of the opening (1e). [6] Inspection hatch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein both the fixed frame (1) and the movable or adjustable frame (2) have a monolithic structure made by injection molding from plastic materials suitable for the specific use.

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